The next time you're in a class, lecture, meeting, or similar event, sit in the front row. As Spindows founder Clay Hebert points out, it can dramatically improve your experience.

Concertgoers and some lucky sports fans probably already know there are a lot of benefits to sitting in the front, and many students may have already experienced this as well. But it really applies to anything, particularly for quieter events like meetings and conferences:

If you hide in the back, every row between you and the speakers is a potential distraction. Staring at the backs of everyone's head makes it easy for your mind to wander. It's too easy to check your phone and tune out.

By sitting in the front row, you'll avoid these distractions, focus on the speakers and learn more.

Of course, there are some places where you don't want to sit in the front—like a movie theater. But if there's a Q&A session afterwards, you just may want to rough it.